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Harmony of Seasons #2
Dauntless Summer: Harmony of Seasons
Summer is a time of plenty, a time of excess. As the God of Summer, Cosmo has those in Plenty of fear and an excess of guilt.
Abandoned by a cruel and absent father, judged and despised by his siblings, Cosmo has actually felt safer in the cursed centuries since his brother’s tragic death, telling himself he’s happy without his family, mingling with the mortals in his care and enjoying all the joys of summertime. He performs his duties to shepherd the season, drinks and smokes and warms his bed with anyone willing.
This time though, when he wakes, he comes face to face with his past. Literally. His brother is there. Auro, God of Spring, who he hasn’t seen in four hundred years. And he’s obviously lost his mind. He’s telling Cosmo there’s a way to break their curse, to be free of it—for the four of them to be together again. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. But there’s an icy cold shadow looming over Cosmo, and the curse is the only thing protecting him.
DAUNTLESS SUMMER is the steamy, sweaty, slow-burn second book in the Harmony of Seasons queer sword-and-sandal fantasy romance quartet.
Abandoned by a cruel and absent father, judged and despised by his siblings, Cosmo has actually felt safer in the cursed centuries since his brother’s tragic death, telling himself he’s happy without his family, mingling with the mortals in his care and enjoying all the joys of summertime. He performs his duties to shepherd the season, drinks and smokes and warms his bed with anyone willing.
This time though, when he wakes, he comes face to face with his past. Literally. His brother is there. Auro, God of Spring, who he hasn’t seen in four hundred years. And he’s obviously lost his mind. He’s telling Cosmo there’s a way to break their curse, to be free of it—for the four of them to be together again. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. But there’s an icy cold shadow looming over Cosmo, and the curse is the only thing protecting him.
DAUNTLESS SUMMER is the steamy, sweaty, slow-burn second book in the Harmony of Seasons queer sword-and-sandal fantasy romance quartet.
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First published November 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 8, 2025
I liked this, even more than the first book! Every time I started listening, I didn't want to stop.
I'll start by talking about the romance, and hear me out. This relationship was generally sweet in the end, but it also felt pretty toxic to me up until that point. But I liked it. It was definitely meant to be a rocky start, it's a hate-to-love sorta thing. It's just, they were always assuming the worst and getting angry at each other, and for the weirdest, most nonsensical reasons. It actually started feeling forced. Leofric was especially angry and mean, to the point that I felt bad for Cosmo. So many things weren't even his fault. But as I said, I did like it, and I felt the feelings growing between these men more than I did between the first couple. I honestly wanted them to hate fuck in the forest when their anger turned horny 😅 And when they finally did have sex, the scenes were hot. Despite any lingering toxicity, I wanted them to be together. I think they can work on it. Or not, if the anger is fun for them. Live and let live.
The individual characters were interesting, and I did like them both. Cosmo was flirty and fun-loving. Leofric was scowly and serious and felt very strongly about his duty and his honor. They both had their own insecurities and guilt. Characters from the previous book were also around some, but not overpowering the story.
There was some magic! Cosmo is a demi-god of summer, so he had different magic than his brother. I feel like you see a lot of books with nature magic, but not specifically summer magic, it was fun to see what the author did with that.
The mystery was a little better, less obvious. It seems to be carrying over into the next book, and I haven't figured it out yet. But I was still frustrated because characters were still ignoring the most obvious things. Or in this case, not asking the most obvious questions. Questions that I can't believe no one would want answers to. It also seemed unrealistic that all these weird things kept happening, but, aside from Leofric a little bit, no one actually seemed that concerned, and even he sort of just let things go. I don't think they ever sat down to lay it all out and compare notes and try to figure it out. It feels, again, like a forced way to either keep a mystery going or create red herrings.
This one was again narrated by Lance West, and I've realized the issue I couldn't pinpoint last time. The narration is lively and works well when it's narration, fits with the vibes of these books, but it feels a little unnatural and stiff when it's dialogue, weird cadence or something, not the way I'd imagine a real person just talking. I'm picky about audiobooks though. Overall still good, and I'll continue with this format.
Overall, despite a couple issues, I liked these two characters, the romance was fun and hot (sometimes literally), and I was pulled in!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2025 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Emmaline Strange's Harmony of Seasons series. Anyone who likes queer fantasy romance, nature deities, hate to love romance, characters who are scowly and honor-bound, characters who are flirty and fun-loving, a bit of magic, and a bit of a mysterious vibe.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
I'll start by talking about the romance, and hear me out. This relationship was generally sweet in the end, but it also felt pretty toxic to me up until that point. But I liked it. It was definitely meant to be a rocky start, it's a hate-to-love sorta thing. It's just, they were always assuming the worst and getting angry at each other, and for the weirdest, most nonsensical reasons. It actually started feeling forced. Leofric was especially angry and mean, to the point that I felt bad for Cosmo. So many things weren't even his fault. But as I said, I did like it, and I felt the feelings growing between these men more than I did between the first couple. I honestly wanted them to hate fuck in the forest when their anger turned horny 😅 And when they finally did have sex, the scenes were hot. Despite any lingering toxicity, I wanted them to be together. I think they can work on it. Or not, if the anger is fun for them. Live and let live.
The individual characters were interesting, and I did like them both. Cosmo was flirty and fun-loving. Leofric was scowly and serious and felt very strongly about his duty and his honor. They both had their own insecurities and guilt. Characters from the previous book were also around some, but not overpowering the story.
There was some magic! Cosmo is a demi-god of summer, so he had different magic than his brother. I feel like you see a lot of books with nature magic, but not specifically summer magic, it was fun to see what the author did with that.
The mystery was a little better, less obvious. It seems to be carrying over into the next book, and I haven't figured it out yet. But I was still frustrated because characters were still ignoring the most obvious things. Or in this case, not asking the most obvious questions. Questions that I can't believe no one would want answers to. It also seemed unrealistic that all these weird things kept happening, but, aside from Leofric a little bit, no one actually seemed that concerned, and even he sort of just let things go. I don't think they ever sat down to lay it all out and compare notes and try to figure it out. It feels, again, like a forced way to either keep a mystery going or create red herrings.
This one was again narrated by Lance West, and I've realized the issue I couldn't pinpoint last time. The narration is lively and works well when it's narration, fits with the vibes of these books, but it feels a little unnatural and stiff when it's dialogue, weird cadence or something, not the way I'd imagine a real person just talking. I'm picky about audiobooks though. Overall still good, and I'll continue with this format.
Overall, despite a couple issues, I liked these two characters, the romance was fun and hot (sometimes literally), and I was pulled in!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2025 // Format: Audiobook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Emmaline Strange's Harmony of Seasons series. Anyone who likes queer fantasy romance, nature deities, hate to love romance, characters who are scowly and honor-bound, characters who are flirty and fun-loving, a bit of magic, and a bit of a mysterious vibe.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 6, 2024
I have been anticipating this book's release for months and god did it deliver. I absolutely love the world that is being built in this series, the found family, the love, the loyalty, the seasonal aesthetics, it all comes together for a vibrant and immersive story.
This book has the sort of slow burn romance you felt building up in your bones. A quiet crackling of embers urging you to read on and on until Leofric and Cosmo finally exploded together. They were just as perfect together as I thought they would be, with Leofric's stoic seriousness balanced out by Cosmo's playful enthusiasm. Needless to say I absolutely loved them as a couple.
The plot stood strong on its own as well, with each installment the story grows and more questions arise. I think this one was a little less angst than book 1, which suited Cosmo's personality well. Honestly it's kind of crazy how good these books are - I don't know how I'll wait until the next one is out. If you haven't read this series what are you doing??? It's one you can't miss in the MM romance world imo
This book has the sort of slow burn romance you felt building up in your bones. A quiet crackling of embers urging you to read on and on until Leofric and Cosmo finally exploded together. They were just as perfect together as I thought they would be, with Leofric's stoic seriousness balanced out by Cosmo's playful enthusiasm. Needless to say I absolutely loved them as a couple.
The plot stood strong on its own as well, with each installment the story grows and more questions arise. I think this one was a little less angst than book 1, which suited Cosmo's personality well. Honestly it's kind of crazy how good these books are - I don't know how I'll wait until the next one is out. If you haven't read this series what are you doing??? It's one you can't miss in the MM romance world imo
March 18, 2025
4.5⭐
I AM GONNA CALL THE ICC ON THAT CLIFFHANGER!!🤯🤯
Also I want to leave it here on the record for whenever book 3 comes out that I DO NOT TRUST THE BROTHER. HE IS SHADY AF. YOU AIN'T FOOLING ANYONE O.
P.S. While I understand the reasoning, I am a grown ass adult who refuses to use words like "spice" when talking about people fucking, but even I blushed a couple of times with the narration. Well done, Lance West, absolutely well done😌😌😌
I AM GONNA CALL THE ICC ON THAT CLIFFHANGER!!🤯🤯
Also I want to leave it here on the record for whenever book 3 comes out that I DO NOT TRUST THE BROTHER. HE IS SHADY AF. YOU AIN'T FOOLING ANYONE O.
P.S. While I understand the reasoning, I am a grown ass adult who refuses to use words like "spice" when talking about people fucking, but even I blushed a couple of times with the narration. Well done, Lance West, absolutely well done😌😌😌
December 13, 2024
Emmaline Strange takes us an adventure with a God and warrior. Cosmos is the God of Summer. Leofric is the Prince’s bodyguard.
Cosmos lives wildly for his season and is a statue for the rest of the year. Leofric has already been on one adventure with Alexios and Auro. Meeting Cosmos has been eye opening for Leofric, but going on their own adventure brings feelings for them both.
Emmaline Strange is a writer of intrigue and spice. I am literally on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who is the eventual bad guy. This world that the author has created is so thrilling. I always get wrapped up with all the intrigue. Will the other brothers be stand up guys? Are Auro and Cosmos safe? Is Alexios really going to marry the Queen? Oh the drama! I need to read Auro’s story. And how long between Cedra’s story?
Cosmos lives wildly for his season and is a statue for the rest of the year. Leofric has already been on one adventure with Alexios and Auro. Meeting Cosmos has been eye opening for Leofric, but going on their own adventure brings feelings for them both.
Emmaline Strange is a writer of intrigue and spice. I am literally on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who is the eventual bad guy. This world that the author has created is so thrilling. I always get wrapped up with all the intrigue. Will the other brothers be stand up guys? Are Auro and Cosmos safe? Is Alexios really going to marry the Queen? Oh the drama! I need to read Auro’s story. And how long between Cedra’s story?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
I'm still on the fence about whether or not I trust that brother...
April 14, 2025
More like between 1 and 2 stars for me, rounded up to 2 because the writing is OK.
Rereading my review for the first book in the series, Bright Spring, I can definitely say that this book is nothing like book 1 and there was no (pardon the pun) "saving grace" at any point. The one thing I do like about this book? The title, which is really quite catchy.
First of all, I really disliked Cosmo. His character starts out acting like an obnoxious, oversexed drunken frat boy and pretty much stays in that lane throughout the book. You would think the author would want to round off his rough edges at some point and give him at least some maturity and sense of responsibility, but that never really happens. Even after (extremely begrudingly) undertaking the quest to find his brother's grace despite great peril and personal danger, he reverts right back to smarmy sarcasm and petty behavior. His character might be meant to be physically attractive, but emotionally and mentally, not so much. I'm really sorry Leofric got saddled with this guy as a (supposed) love interest.
Secondly, this book took an unexpected (to this reader) and steep U-turn into S & M territory. While the author hints at the possibility early on after a scene where Cosmo bests Leofric at a physical fight, leaving Leofric with a painful bruise:
Leofric’s retort was lost on a choked gasp as Cosmo leaned more of his weight onto the sword, pressing it harder and harder into the bruise. The pain was bone deep and exquisite.
This reaction is right up Cosmo's alley, which is more fully explored as soon as the couple start having actual sex. The odd thing is, the author precedes this with an interlude in which Leofric asks Cosmo to start the physical relationship with intimate interactions (cuddling, sleeping together) that you'd never expect would lead to something like this:
Leofric cried out, but Cosmo knew him well enough by now, knew he liked it to hurt. Liked his pleasure sauced with pain.
We eventually have a scenario where you'd think any sane person would want some assistance in terms of prep and lubricants, to the point where even Cosmo, the ultimate satyr, is having misgivings about proceeding "as is" (and Cosmo is NOT the recipient in the interaction):
He (Cosmo) faltered, just for a moment. He was frightened. He doubted. After being so rudely abandoned, Cosmo didn’t quite trust Leofric’s offerings. He had to be certain. He had to—Cosmo let the hand on Leofric’s hip soften, brushing tiny, delicate circles against the bone with his thumb. He leaned in once more, to whisper again. “It…it is going to hurt.” It may not have sounded like it, but it was a question.
And once again, Leofric answered him, without hesitating. “Yes.”
The sexual equivalent of nails on blackboard is nothing I care for in the least, so I did a lot of cringing when these two got physical.
The last thing that kept the story in the range of 1 star for me is that if this is meant to be a romance, it didn't meet the criteria for me. At book's end (which is a complete "you must read book #3 to get closure on book #2" cliffhanger - grrrr), these two might have a symbiotic relationship and perhaps even a deep friendship based on the fact that each of them quite vulnerably bared their souls to the other in a successful manner, but I never saw anything that felt like The L-Word. Indeed, The L-Word is only invoked towards the very end of the book and in ways that make it feel like a blase reference (Cosmo) or a desperate blurt (Leofric), to wit:
Cosmo's "declaration" goes like this - raunchy verbiage edited out:
“Well yes, in general, but—” Cosmo sighed. “I love you, but for ****’s sake Leofric you are such a fool.”
It took a moment for his words to penetrate Leofric’s exhausted brain. He sat up so fast he nearly knocked Cosmo over. “You—you love me?”
Cosmo looked at him defiantly. “Of course, I do,” he burst out. “Didn’t you know?”
Stunned, Leofric let Cosmo force him back down onto the pillows, tucking the blanket around him.
Cosmo seemed unconcerned by Leofric’s reaction—or lack thereof—to his pronouncement, which Leofric probably should have suspected. He was talking now about plans to travel into the forest that night with his brothers.
Oh, the passion (ZZZZ). Now here's Leofric version:
Cosmo kissed his nose. “I’ll be alright,” he promised. “I’ll have my brothers with me.” That was, at least in part, what Leofric was afraid of. They were like magnets for calamity, all of them.
“Will you…will you come see me, after?”
“Of course.” Cosmo stood, pulled on his tunic and turned to leave the tent.
Leofric couldn’t let him go, not yet. Say it, you coward. “I love you,” he gritted out. “So, you better come back to me, you bloody menace.”
I'm sorry, but nobody is feeling the earth move upon hearing these words, least of all this particular reader. I wouldn't classify this as an HEA ending or even an HFN ending. These two simply feel like highly compatible **** buddies and not much else.
All of this was quite disappointing for me, and it is especially irksome because Cedras seems like he'd be an interesting partner, but I'm not sure I'll be motivated to read the next in the series.
Final note - book needs a good (better?) editor. Lots of language misuse, like "whiles" used instead of "wiles", "phased" instead of "fazed" and "wisps" being consistently spelled as "whisps" among other little glitches.
Rereading my review for the first book in the series, Bright Spring, I can definitely say that this book is nothing like book 1 and there was no (pardon the pun) "saving grace" at any point. The one thing I do like about this book? The title, which is really quite catchy.
First of all, I really disliked Cosmo. His character starts out acting like an obnoxious, oversexed drunken frat boy and pretty much stays in that lane throughout the book. You would think the author would want to round off his rough edges at some point and give him at least some maturity and sense of responsibility, but that never really happens. Even after (extremely begrudingly) undertaking the quest to find his brother's grace despite great peril and personal danger, he reverts right back to smarmy sarcasm and petty behavior. His character might be meant to be physically attractive, but emotionally and mentally, not so much. I'm really sorry Leofric got saddled with this guy as a (supposed) love interest.
Secondly, this book took an unexpected (to this reader) and steep U-turn into S & M territory. While the author hints at the possibility early on after a scene where Cosmo bests Leofric at a physical fight, leaving Leofric with a painful bruise:
Leofric’s retort was lost on a choked gasp as Cosmo leaned more of his weight onto the sword, pressing it harder and harder into the bruise. The pain was bone deep and exquisite.
This reaction is right up Cosmo's alley, which is more fully explored as soon as the couple start having actual sex. The odd thing is, the author precedes this with an interlude in which Leofric asks Cosmo to start the physical relationship with intimate interactions (cuddling, sleeping together) that you'd never expect would lead to something like this:
Leofric cried out, but Cosmo knew him well enough by now, knew he liked it to hurt. Liked his pleasure sauced with pain.
We eventually have a scenario where you'd think any sane person would want some assistance in terms of prep and lubricants, to the point where even Cosmo, the ultimate satyr, is having misgivings about proceeding "as is" (and Cosmo is NOT the recipient in the interaction):
He (Cosmo) faltered, just for a moment. He was frightened. He doubted. After being so rudely abandoned, Cosmo didn’t quite trust Leofric’s offerings. He had to be certain. He had to—Cosmo let the hand on Leofric’s hip soften, brushing tiny, delicate circles against the bone with his thumb. He leaned in once more, to whisper again. “It…it is going to hurt.” It may not have sounded like it, but it was a question.
And once again, Leofric answered him, without hesitating. “Yes.”
The sexual equivalent of nails on blackboard is nothing I care for in the least, so I did a lot of cringing when these two got physical.
The last thing that kept the story in the range of 1 star for me is that if this is meant to be a romance, it didn't meet the criteria for me. At book's end (which is a complete "you must read book #3 to get closure on book #2" cliffhanger - grrrr), these two might have a symbiotic relationship and perhaps even a deep friendship based on the fact that each of them quite vulnerably bared their souls to the other in a successful manner, but I never saw anything that felt like The L-Word. Indeed, The L-Word is only invoked towards the very end of the book and in ways that make it feel like a blase reference (Cosmo) or a desperate blurt (Leofric), to wit:
Cosmo's "declaration" goes like this - raunchy verbiage edited out:
“Well yes, in general, but—” Cosmo sighed. “I love you, but for ****’s sake Leofric you are such a fool.”
It took a moment for his words to penetrate Leofric’s exhausted brain. He sat up so fast he nearly knocked Cosmo over. “You—you love me?”
Cosmo looked at him defiantly. “Of course, I do,” he burst out. “Didn’t you know?”
Stunned, Leofric let Cosmo force him back down onto the pillows, tucking the blanket around him.
Cosmo seemed unconcerned by Leofric’s reaction—or lack thereof—to his pronouncement, which Leofric probably should have suspected. He was talking now about plans to travel into the forest that night with his brothers.
Oh, the passion (ZZZZ). Now here's Leofric version:
Cosmo kissed his nose. “I’ll be alright,” he promised. “I’ll have my brothers with me.” That was, at least in part, what Leofric was afraid of. They were like magnets for calamity, all of them.
“Will you…will you come see me, after?”
“Of course.” Cosmo stood, pulled on his tunic and turned to leave the tent.
Leofric couldn’t let him go, not yet. Say it, you coward. “I love you,” he gritted out. “So, you better come back to me, you bloody menace.”
I'm sorry, but nobody is feeling the earth move upon hearing these words, least of all this particular reader. I wouldn't classify this as an HEA ending or even an HFN ending. These two simply feel like highly compatible **** buddies and not much else.
All of this was quite disappointing for me, and it is especially irksome because Cedras seems like he'd be an interesting partner, but I'm not sure I'll be motivated to read the next in the series.
Final note - book needs a good (better?) editor. Lots of language misuse, like "whiles" used instead of "wiles", "phased" instead of "fazed" and "wisps" being consistently spelled as "whisps" among other little glitches.
February 19, 2025
This series is such a breath of fresh air!!!! We started with love at first sight (first book) and then this masterpiece hits us with enemies (or at least annoyances) to lovers! The way Emmaline has managed to make me love every single character with my entire soul should tell you everything you need to know. Reading this left me feeling all kinds of way: I am in love, I am curious, I am anxious!!! So beautifully written and so thrilling. I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until fall, I need to know what happens next! 10/10!
July 17, 2025
A very nice second novel in a quartet. Old characters are present but more attention is given to the second demigod and his... reluctant-at-first companion. Leofric's point of view was more interesting for me to read, all of that order and discipline making him a compelling character. Cosmo's hedonism and recklessness was a good balance to it but at the last third of the book, I did wish that Cosmo was a bit more down-to-earth. Plus I'm not sure if in the end the questions all got their answers (probably not?). Thankfully there are two more books to come.
January 4, 2025
4.5⭐
Once again, a super cute romance story with mythology vibes. This picks up right were book 1 left off. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the couple, but soon enough I was loving all of their smirks and sly banter.
Not as much villain in this one, as it's mostly just moving the plot along, but it's gonna be a tough wait for book 3 after that setup.
Once again, a super cute romance story with mythology vibes. This picks up right were book 1 left off. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the couple, but soon enough I was loving all of their smirks and sly banter.
Not as much villain in this one, as it's mostly just moving the plot along, but it's gonna be a tough wait for book 3 after that setup.
September 5, 2025
A vast improvement over book one. Much better pacing and the story flowed well. I was very invested in the overall plot. There was some good tension and a twist later I really did not see coming. All the while, I also really enjoy the dynamic of Cosmo and Leofric's relationship, which is obviously the heart of the whole book. This was a fun one. I recommend
September 21, 2025
This continues to be a very fun universe. I am not entirely on the side of the romance though, something is missing in it for me although a flirt/stoic is usually a dynamic I tend to like. But I am the most curious of the autumn brother so here's to waiting for his book.
February 18, 2025
THESE BOOKS ARE SO CUTE and badly marketed imo these are fairly tame fantasy romances and i love them
April 30, 2025
4.5 stars. Everyone say thank you chapter twenty
July 19, 2025
Round up from a 2.75 rating.
August 6, 2025
they are idiots at times, but they are my idiots 😂
August 19, 2025
Honestly, i need more of the main plot over the romance in this one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews